The mental health benefits of artistic expression

30 September 2024
Charl Greeff

The mental health benefits of artistic expression

What is mental illness?

Mental illnesses, also known as mental health disorders, encompass a broad spectrum of conditions that impact mood, cognitive processes, and behaviour. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviours.

It’s common for people to experience mental health concerns occasionally. However, these concerns become a mental illness when persistent symptoms cause significant stress and hinder daily functioning. It’s important to recognise these challenges and seek appropriate support and treatment. (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

It is estimated that 400 million people worldwide experience mental or neurological disorders or psychosocial problems, including those related to alcohol and drug abuse. (South African Government, 2013).

Let’s look at the various health benefits of creativity.

Engaging in creative activities, such as using popular adult colouring books, can significantly enhance brain function, mental health, and physical well-being.

“The theory of cognition postulates that being creative is actually a basis for human life. Basically, being creative is pretty important!” – (Forbes, 2018)

Increases happiness

Engaging in creative activities induces a state of flow, where one loses track of time and self, reducing anxiety, boosting mood, and even slowing down your heart rate.

Repetitive creative tasks such as knitting or drawing activate flow and produce dopamine, a feel-good chemical that motivates and enhances happiness.

Reduces dementia

Creative engagement is an effective treatment for dementia, reducing depression and isolation.

It helps dementia patients reconnect with their personalities and sharpen their senses.

Improves mental health

Creative activities such as crafting focus the mind, similar to meditation, and have calming effects on the brain and body.

Creativity releases dopamine, reducing anxiety, depression, and stress, and aids in processing trauma through activities such as writing and drawing.

Makes you smarter.

Playing musical instruments enhances connectivity between the left and right brain, improving cognitive function.

Creative activities that release dopamine not only feel good but are beneficial for brain health and function.

(Forbes, 2018).

Activities to try to boost your creativity.

Draw or paint:

Engaging in drawing or painting relieves stress, improves memory, and boosts resilience.

Sing or play music:

Music has a unique bonding power, enhancing social connections and trust. Singing or playing music can raise oxytocin levels, which are linked to positive feelings and social bonding.

Dance or move your body:

Dancing relieves anxiety, improves quality of life, and offers mental health benefits. Studies have shown that dancing can lower the risk of dementia in seniors.

Write or tell stories:

Writing and storytelling offer long-lasting psychological benefits. They allow for self-expression, problem-solving, communication, and self-confidence development.

Spend time in nature:

Nature immersion boosts creativity and problem-solving abilities. Disconnecting from technology and spending time outdoors provides emotionally positive stimuli, enhancing creativity.

(Diversus Health, 2024).

Take up crafting:

Engaging in activities such as knitting, sewing, woodworking, or crochet reduces stress through focused attention and manual dexterity.

Participate in drama or theatre:

Boost your mind by performing on stage. Join local theatre groups, participate in workshops, or take on minor roles to gain new perspectives and enhance self-confidence.

Join a creative community:

Improve mental health by connecting with like-minded individuals. Join art clubs, writing groups, or online communities to find support, inspiration, and collaborative opportunities.

Incorporate mindfulness:

Practice mindfulness during creative activities for effective mental health healing. Focus on the present moment, immerse yourself in the process, and avoid self-judgment or pursuit of perfection.

(Majumder, 2024).

Mental illness encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behaviour, such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. These conditions become significant mental illnesses when persistent symptoms impair daily functioning and cause considerable distress. Mental Illness Awareness Month aims to educate the public and combat the stigma associated with mental health issues. Engaging in creative activities, including drawing, dancing, music, crafting, and storytelling, not only enhances cognitive function and physical well-being but also fosters community connection and mindfulness. These activities provide holistic support for mental health, promoting happiness, reducing dementia risk, and aiding in emotional processing and resilience, among other benefits. So, what’s your next step in getting your creative juices flowing?

This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical/financial advice. Please consult with a healthcare/financial professional for personalised guidance.

References

Diversus Health. (2024). The Mental Health Benefits of Creativity. Retrieved from Diversus Health:
https://diversushealth.org/mental-health-blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-creativity/#:~:text=Expressing%20ourselves%20through%20creative%20and,program%20for%20individuals%20with%20PTSD.

Forbes. (2018, July 25). Here’s How Creativity Actually Improves Your Health. Retrieved from Forbes:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2018/07/25/heres-how-creativity-actually-improves-your-health/

Majumder, P. (2024). 10 Best Ways To Improve Mental Health Through Creativity. Retrieved from Marker:
https://www.markercontent.com/articles/lifestyle/10-best-ways-to-improve-mental-health-through-creativity-281463

Mayo Clinic. (2022, December 13). Mental illness. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968

South African Government. (2013, October 1). Mental Health Awareness Month. Retrieved from South African Government:
https://www.gov.za/news/events/health-awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month#:~:text=The%20month%20of%20October%20has,illness%20are%20often%20subjected%20to.